“Seems to me ther’s something to that pass.”
“Yes,” said Seth, thoughtfully. Then, with an impatient gesture, “Guess I’ll go into Beacon myself to-day. There’s a thing or two for me to do. Keep an eye on the wimminfolk. Guess I’ll git goin’ now.”
Seth’s announcement was received without question by Rube, for there was perfect understanding between these men.
Half an hour later Seth was leading his horse from the barn ready saddled for the journey. As he moved out he saw Rosebud coming toward him from the house. He waited, and she came up in something of a flutter of confusion. She had an unusual color, and her eyes were sparkling. Seth noted these things while he appeared to be arranging the contents of his saddle-bags.
“Pa says you’re going into Beacon Crossing, Seth,” she said without preamble, as she stood at the horse’s head and idly smoothed its velvety muzzle with her soft brown hand.
“That’s so,” the man answered.
“I’ve written a letter to New York for a store price list. Will you mail it?”
There was an odd smile in Seth’s dark eyes. He knew this was not the girl’s object in coming to him. He always called in at the house to ask for letters at the last moment before starting. There was a slight awkwardness while he waited for the girl to go on.
Suddenly Rosebud stooped and ran her hands down the horse’s fore-legs. Her face was thus concealed.